Independent female candidate assaulted outside Rajshahi polling centre

An independent candidate in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) was allegedly assaulted by a BNP leader in front of a polling centre during voting this afternoon (12 February).

Habiba Begum, who is contesting the 13th parliamentary election with the football symbol, was attacked around 3pm outside the Nalkhola Government Primary School polling centre in Paba upazila. She is also a former female vice chairman of Mohanpur Upazila Parishad.

A video footage of the incident shows a man suddenly slapping Habiba Begum across the face while she was standing and talking. People accompanying her quickly intervened and shielded her, while another individual led the attacker away from the scene.

Suman Kaderi, officer-in-charge of Katakhali Police Station said, "I heard that there was an altercation between a candidate and someone over asking for votes from voters in front of the polling station. But I am not aware of any incidents of assault."

According to locals, the alleged attacker was Rajab Ali, former president of the BNP's ward no 1 unit in Hariyan union under Paba.

Following the incident, Habiba said she had gone to the polling centre to exchange greetings with voters and request support, noting that she had been unable to campaign earlier and asking voters to cast their ballots for the football symbol.

She alleged that the local BNP leader Rajab Ali obstructed her campaign activities in front of the centre and, during a heated exchange, slapped and physically assaulted her.

Around 4pm, Habiba was taken to a hospital for treatment. She later said she was experiencing hearing difficulties and pain while speaking following the assault.

Habiba Begum's chief election agent Akbar Hossain said, "We informed the presiding officer, but he avoided responsibility, saying the incident occurred outside the polling centre. We will also inform the returning officer. We demand justice." 

BNP leader Rajab Ali could not be reached for comment regarding the incident.